NO COMPASSION FOR RECOVERING ADDICTS

Editor, the Times:

Mr. Rock, your lack of compassion is sickening (Addicts off streets
and to professionals, Times, Jan. 14). As a Non-Theist I feel
compelled to speak up. These people in downtown Mission are trying to
help these addicts. Whatever their belief system may be, they are
freely giving their time and compassion.

The government is partly to blame for many of these people being on
the streets to begin with; the closing down of mental facilities,
cutbacks for mental health programs have all contributed.

Has science made strides in helping addictions? Yes. Is that help
available to everyone? No. I ask you Mr. Rock, what are you doing to
help this problem? In the end, though I do not agree with the
religious world view, I would much sooner see addicts becoming sober,
productive members of society even if that means they have a bit of a
skewed view of reality.

Perhaps Mr. Rock, you could contact your local MLA's and ask why
quality addiction and mental health care is not easily accessible,
or, volunteer with one of the many secular organizations that deal
with addiction and perhaps learn about respect, compassion, and
empathy - qualities these volunteers understand, and clearly you don't.

Kent Roberts,

Abbostford